Ancient Polynesians brought surfing to Hawaii hundreds of years ago, yet, the sport is still one of the big draws to the Islands. For beginner and pro surfers, alike, Maui is the place to be.
Surfing has been called the “sport of kings,” since its beginnings in Polynesia only allowed royalty to ride the waves. Today, everyone can enjoy the action.
If you are new to surfing or want to learn while on Maui, lessons are readily available and typically run one to two hours. Taught by experienced instructors, they will take beginners to some of the many gentle surf breaks off of Maui’s famous beaches, such as Kaanapali Beach that fronts the Royal Lahaina Resort.
There are also surfing schools in Lahaina Town and Kihei further south, where newbies can find the perfect, smaller waves for their first rides. Once they get the hang of it, there are a variety of state beaches that offer ideal conditions for practice.
Another option for the uninitiated is to try stand-up paddle boarding or windsurfing. Both can be challenging and a lot of fun. Beginners are encouraged to take lessons, which can be arranged throughout Maui.
Big wave surfing for top athletes center on east Maui venues, where jet-skis are often used to get out into the massive breakers.
If you are an advanced surfer or just want to watch the big boys and girls battle Nature, Honolua Bay and Hookipa Beach are where the highly experienced surfers do their thing. In winter months, the areas near Paia on Maui’s east side are the home of big wave surfing, especially at Peahi, also known as “Jaws.” When the swells get huge, surfers are towed into massive waves by jet-skis.
For more information on all things to do on Maui, be sure to check out www.royallahaina.com and the resort’s Activities Center.